​The day before the successful landings at Normandy, Dwight D. Eisenhower, supreme commander of the allied forces wrote a letter accepting full responsibility for its failure. Thankfully he didn't have to use it. It is erroneously dated July 5.

Our landings in the Cherbourg-Havre area have failed to gain a satisfactory foothold and I have withdrawn the troops. My decision to attack at this time and place was based upon the best information available. The troops, the air and the Navy did all that Bravery and devotion to duty could do. If any blame or fault attaches to the attempt it is mine alone.